The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has taken a historic step by publishing the 'Jathaka Katha' (stories of the incarnations of Lord Buddha) online in the Sinhala language, President Rajapaksa said at the launch of its new website today (17) at Temple Trees.

While expressing his gratitude for the untiring efforts of the team responsible for bringing his wish to fruition, the President said that the move will eventually benefit the younger generation by helping them to mould their lives according to the spiritual paths of Buddhism.

"Sri Lanka has been able to improve its literacy rate in Information Technology by 25%. There is also a strong tendency among both Sri Lankans and foreigners to study and follow the Buddhist doctrine. In that context, publishing 550 Jathaka Katha online is a timely move. It will help in bringing the world closer to us," President Rajapaksa said.

Acting Director of the ICTA Prof Epasinghe said that presenting our heritage to the global village is the responsibility of the entire nation, and therefore this step forward is significant. He added that both the physical and moral development of a person are equally important in living.